leaf HOSPITALITY is pleased to announce two leadership updates as the business continues to grow.
Ben Underwood has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Since joining the business as Group Operations Director in 2025, Ben has played a key role across the portfolio, bringing clear direction, strong leadership, and a consistent focus on performance. His promotion reflects both his contribution to date and the role he will play in shaping the next phase of growth.
As COO, Ben will take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the business, overseeing all operational, people and commercial functions. This evolution in structure will support greater alignment across teams and allow the business to maintain its momentum.
Alongside this, Emma Hamilton-Hewitt will take on the title of Group People & Culture Manager.
This change reflects both the evolution of Emma’s role and leaf HOSPITALITY’s ambition to place people and culture at the centre of the business. Since joining in 2018, Emma has progressed through a number of roles and has played an instrumental part in shaping the Group’s people strategy, leading initiatives across talent development, engagement, inclusion, and performance.
These appointments highlight leaf HOSPITALITY’s commitment to developing our people, strengthening the leadership team, and delivering consistent performance across our portfolio. This includes upcoming developments such as the Hampton by Hilton Wigan, part of the wider Fettlers regeneration scheme and expected to open in 2027.
